The elements of the patrol are established by its general organization. The formation in which the patrol moves forward and the location of elements in the formation are called ORGANIZATION FOR MOVEMENT. An example of a reconnaissance patrol organization for movement is shown in figure 4-24. An example of a combat patrol organization for movement is shown in figure 4-25.

Departure and Reentry of Friendly Areas Move cautiously when you approach positions in friendly areas; you will be regarded as an enemy until identified otherwise. The patrol leader should halt the patrol near the position; then go forward and contact the position and, if possible, the local LEADER. He takes at least one man with him. He may take more if the situation permits, but remember that unusual activity at a forward position may attract enemy attention. The patrol leader tells personnel at the position the information they may need to assist him, such as the size of his patrol, his general route, and his expected time of return.

Request the latest information on the enemy, the terrain to the front, and any known obstacles or dangers. Check for communication facilities, fire support, and other assistance they can provide. Check the challenge and password, and determine whether the same personnel will be manning the position when you return. If not, ask them to relay information about your patrol to their relief. If you intend to be out longer than 1 day, obtain the challenge and passwords for each day you are out.

Rallying Points

A rallying point is a designated place where a patrol that has been dispersed can assemble and reorganize. It should provide cover, concealment, and be defensible for at least a short time. It must be easily recognizable and be known to all members of the patrol. Until a rallying point has been actually reached and found to be suitable, you should designate it as a TENTATIVE RALLYING POINT. To designate a definite rallying point, the patrol leader halts the patrol when he arrives there. He then announces, "This is a rallying point," and points out the identifying features.

There are three TYPES of rallying points:

1. INITIAL rallying point. This is a point within the friendly area where the patrol can rally if it becomes scattered before leaving the friendly area or before reaching the first tentative rallying point outside the friendly area.

2. EN ROUTE rallying point. This is a rallying point lying between the foremost friendly area and the objective.

3. OBJECTIVE rallying point. This is a rallying point near the objective where the patrol assembles after accomplishing the mission.

The patrol leader must select and designate a tentative initial and objective rallying point before the patrol starts off. If these points prove suitable when he reaches them, then he confirms them by declaring them rallying points. He will select other points en route as he reaches suitable locations.

The following are general rules for the use of rallying points:

1. Select the initial and the en route rallying points to prevent complete disintegration of the patrol if it is unavoidably dispersed before reaching the objective.

2. The objective rallying point makes it possible for the patrol to reassemble after it has dispersed to carry out the objective.

3. If the patrol is dispersed in friendly areas, it reassembles at the initial rallying point.

4. If the patrol is dispersed between the initial rallying point and the first en route rallying point, it will assemble atone or the other of these points. The patrol leader must designate in his patrol order whether he desires reassembly at the initial rallying point or the first en route rallying point.

5. If the patrol is dispersed between en route rallying points, it will assemble either at the last rallying point or at the next (tentative) rallying point. Again, the patrol leader must designate which of these alternatives he desires. In this and the former case, circumstances will control his decision.

Action on Enemy Contact

A patrol is subject to two types of enemy contact:

(1) CHANCE contact and (2) AMBUSH. In chance contact, you come on the enemy unexpectedly, and the enemy is not prepared to deal with you. In ambush, you are subjected to an intentional surprise attack by an enemy that is concealed and lying in wait. In a chance contact, you must break contact as quickly as possible and continue the mission. If you engage the enemy any longer than necessary, you could jeopardize the mission. The "clock" system is one way of breaking contact. The line of direction along which the patrol is moving is considered to be 12 o'clock. If the patrol leader called out "10 o'clock-200," that would order the patrol to move off 200 yards in the 10 o'clock direction. The patrol must, as far as possible, keep the original formation.

FIRE AND MOVEMENT is another way of breaking a chance contact. One portion of the patrol returns enemy fire while another portion moves off. The two groups alternate covering fire and movement until both have broken contact.

In an ambush, you may have the alternative of an assault in force to break through the ambush or a withdrawal like that used in a chance contact; however, a well-placed ambush usually prevents withdrawal by the flank. When you must break through by assault, quickly determine the point of weakest enemy fire and assault this point with maximum firepower.